See Also: Essex, Robert Devereux, 2nd earl of(encyclopedia)
Essex, Robert Devereux, 3rd earl of(encyclopedia)
Essex, Walter Devereux, 1st earl of(encyclopedia)
Essex, the Earl of(dictionary)
Cromwell, Thomas, earl of Essex(encyclopedia)
Leicester, Robert Dudley, earl of(encyclopedia)
Sunderland, Robert Spencer, 2nd earl of(encyclopedia)
Walpole, Robert, 1st earl of Orford(encyclopedia)
Harley, Robert, 1st earl of Oxford(encyclopedia)
Cecil, Robert, 1st earl of Salisbury(encyclopedia)

Essex, Robert Devereux, 3rd earl of (sh)




born 1591, London, Eng.
died Sept. 14, 1646, London

English military commander.

Son of the 2nd earl of Essex, he began his military career in 1620 and commanded forces for Charles I until the Long Parliament deposed Charles's ministers (1640). As the English Civil Wars began, he was appointed to command the Parliamentary army. He fought against the Royalists at the indecisive Battle of Edgehill (1642) and advanced on London in 1643. His army was besieged at Lostwithiel, Cornwall, in 1644, and all surrendered except Essex, who escaped by sea. He resigned his command in 1645.